As well as providing natural beauty and biodiversity, trees can create impressive focal points, canopies and horizon views in our outdoor spaces. However, as many property owners with trees can testify, they need to be managed to ensure they stay healthy and don’t pose a risk to safety or property damage.
Whether you’re a private homeowner of a small home, a business developer plotting out an entire street’s landscape or a local authority designing a tranquil space for a new public garden – a tree consultant can help you protect your investment.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a tree consultant is, what they do, how much their services typically cost, as well as the difference between a tree consultant and an arboriculturist.
What is a Tree Consultant?
A tree consultant is a qualified professional who specialises in assessing, inspecting, and advising on the management of trees. Rather than carrying out physical tree work, such as pruning or removal, a tree consultant provides expert recommendations based on the condition, health, safety, and legal status of trees.
Tree consultants are experts in their field who have acquired knowledge through years of working with a variety of trees in scenarios that require maintenance to keep them in top shape.
What Does a Tree Consultant Do?
For those that are less green-fingered, you might be wondering what exactly a tree consultant does.
Key services a tree consultant will offer include:
- Presenting a report for planning applications
- Assisting with claims against an insurer
- Advising on a construction project
- Considering risk in assessments on projects
Experienced tree consultants provide professional tree surveys and reports to help clients make informed decisions while complying with relevant British Standards and local planning requirements.
We’ve included a more detailed breakdown of these specialist services below.
Tree Health Assessments
A mature tree can be priceless to its owner, which is why guarding against signs of decay, pests, structural defects or disease can prevent potentially costly damage. Tree health assessments can highlight problems as they start, before it’s too late and an entire tree removal might be required.
Tree Risk Assessments
The mass and weight of larger trees can present many risks. A tree risk assessment considers the structural integrity of a tree to mitigate safety risks of it becoming unstable. A consultant can review the likelihood of a problem and present options to the owner to guard against such scenarios.
Trees located near homes, roads, schools, or public spaces may present safety risks if they become unstable. A consultant assesses the likelihood of a branch or tree falling and recommends appropriate management.
Tree Surveys
During building and construction work, doing due diligence pays in preventing delays. A tree survey is often a requirement before a development can start. The survey logs the tree’s size, age and whether the species is protected under law.
BS5837 Reports
The BS5837 Report is used by architects and developers to support planning applications. These reports are focused on the impact of existing trees in an environment of a project and often recommend specific steps to protect trees during building projects.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Notable local trees with historical context or protected tree species will often be covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPOs).
If a tree is in a conservation area, the developer may need permission before any projects can begin. When it comes to the responsibilities of the developer, legally a tree consultant can advise and present supporting reports where required.
Ongoing Tree Management
Many commercial sites, schools, housing developments, and estates benefit from long-term tree management plans. These ensure trees remain healthy, safe, and properly maintained for years to come.
What is an Arboriculturalist?
An arboriculturist is an expert in tree care. They are known for studying, managing and providing care for specific trees.
This encompasses preservation, inspection, disease control and ongoing pruning.
It’s very common to find a tree consultant who is also considered a qualified arboriculturist. This means they have both practical knowledge and technical expertise. A tree consultant leans on that expertise to provide a range of services around advice, surveys, reports and general maintenance recommendations.
With industry standards and best practices always developing, finding an expert who holds both titles means you get accurate recommendations.
H2: Arboricultural Consulting Explained
Arboricultural consulting is the professional service of advising clients about trees and their management. It combines technical tree knowledge with planning legislation, environmental considerations, and health and safety requirements.
Arboricultural consulting is commonly used for:
- Planning applications
- Property development
- Tree preservation advice
- Mortgage or insurance reports
- Tree health inspections
- Construction projects
- Schools, parks, and commercial estates
- Duty of care assessments
How Much Does a Tree Consultant Cost?
How much a tree consultant costs depends on the type of service required, the number of trees involved, and the complexity of the project.
Typical costs may include:
- Basic tree inspections for individual trees
- Tree condition surveys
- Mortgage or insurance reports
- BS5837 planning surveys
- Detailed arboricultural impact assessments
- Ongoing consultancy for commercial developments
Larger development sites requiring multiple surveys and detailed reports will naturally cost more than a simple residential inspection.
The best approach is to request a quotation based on your specific requirements. A qualified consultant can explain exactly what level of survey or report is needed, helping you avoid unnecessary costs.
Are You Ready to Hire a Tree Consultant?
At N J Pacey Landscaping, our qualified arboricultural consultants provide comprehensive tree consultancy services across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire, and surrounding areas.
From tree health assessments and BS5837 reports to condition surveys and arboricultural consulting, we help homeowners, businesses, developers, and local authorities make informed decisions about tree management.
If you need professional tree health consultancy services, contact N J Pacey Landscaping today to arrange a survey or discuss your project with our experienced arboricultural team.
